FAQ

June to late August. This is the main season with pleasant temperatures and full service at the locks. May and September are quieter and better suited for experienced paddlers, as the water is cooler (8–12°C). From Midsommar (late June), the lakes are at their busiest.

Yes, the waters are very beginner-friendly. No currents, stable boats, and a thorough briefing on site. The rapids at the locks are not paddled – they are bypassed using the locks. We recommend wearing life jackets throughout the entire trip – they are mandatory in the locks. Life jackets are provided.

Yes, children from age 4–5 can join. We recommend the tandem kayak (K2): child in front, adult in the back. The kayak is steered from the rear – even if the child takes a break, the boat remains fully controllable. For two adults with two children, two K2s are usually better than one large canoe. With children, 8–12 km per day is a realistic distance.

Yes, but only in a canoe. Dogs cannot be taken in kayaks. Large dogs (30+ kg) are welcome too – please bring your own dog life jacket. For 2 people + dog + gear, the C2-big is the best choice. Dogs are not allowed in our holiday apartments.

In summer, you can often expect stable, sunny weather. From June to August, high-pressure systems frequently bring days of warm temperatures around 20–25°C – ideal paddling weather. The lakes are pleasant for swimming, and the long days leave plenty of time for relaxed evenings by the water. In spring and autumn, the weather can be more changeable. Pack rain gear just in case, and you’ll be prepared for anything.

Pleasantly quiet. Even in peak season, paddlers spread out well across the extensive lake system. If you prefer even more solitude, the smaller lakes off the main routes offer true seclusion. May to mid-June and from mid-August onwards are particularly relaxed. You’ll share the campsites with other paddlers – a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and exchange route tips.

No, we do not offer one-way trips, transfers, or transport services. Boats are picked up at the boathouse and returned there. Our location on the lake system is ideal for round trips – you stay flexible, and your car is right at the finish when you return. Route suggestions are available on our website and during the briefing.
→ See also: Do you offer a transfer service?

Kayaks (K1, K2) and canoes (C2, C3). All designed for multi-day trips with plenty of gear. Our tandem kayaks are extra-large touring kayaks by Boreal Design – fast, stable, and with lots of storage space. Boats like these are rare at rental outfitters. Kayaks are generally faster, more wind-stable, and more efficient, with double-bladed paddles and foot-operated rudders. Canoes offer more storage and easier loading, but are more susceptible to wind.

That depends on your group size, amount of gear, and personal preferences. All our boats are high-quality and suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. 2 people, sporty: K2. With lots of gear or a dog: C2-big. 2 adults + 1–2 children: Two K2s (one adult + child each) are usually better than one canoe. Solo paddlers: Only the K1 is available – canoes are not rented for solo use for safety reasons.

Yes. For longer trips with gear, we recommend the C3-big. The standard C3 with 3 people is better suited for day trips or short overnight tours with light gear. The C3-big offers significantly more storage and comfortably carries 3 adults with full touring gear. By the way: the C2 and C3 are physically the same boat – all our canoes have three bench seats. With a two-person booking, you simply sit as a pair with more space.

No. We do not rent tandem canoes for solo paddling. Even experienced paddlers underestimate how much wind can push a canoe off course. For solo trips, the K1 (single kayak) is the right choice – fast, stable, and easy to steer even in wind.

Yes. All our rental kayaks have a foot-operated rudder. The rudder is controlled with your feet, so it doesn’t interfere with paddling. Especially for beginners, a rudder is easier than a kayak without one – you stay on course in crosswinds without constant correction strokes. It’s intuitive to use and will be explained during the briefing.

Yes, if the kids are really still small and you pack light. The key factor is total weight: people plus gear should roughly equal 3 adults with touring gear. Both children sit together on the middle bench. Keep in mind: four people also means gear for four – and less space in the boat. Pack as if you were going on a trekking trip, and it works well. In this case, book a C3-big and include the children’s ages in your booking – we’ll get in touch if we have any questions. For older children or teenagers, we recommend two K2s.

Paddles and life jackets for everyone. Kayaks also include a spray skirt, and for multi-day trips a cockpit cover.
The cockpit cover fits over the seat opening and protects the boat overnight – everything stays dry even in rain, without having to flip the boat.
The front and rear storage hatches on our kayaks are watertight. Extra dry bags are usually not needed and can be rented if required – recommended for sensitive gear like electronics or down sleeping bags.
For canoes, we offer barrel packs for dry storage. Boat trolleys for portages can also be rented.
Maps are not included in the rental price but can be purchased at our station. For day trips, we provide a simpler map free of charge – suitable for navigating on Lake Lelång, but without camping sites.
→ See also: What do I need to bring?

Yes, strongly recommended. In peak season, many boats are fully booked weeks in advance. Book at least one day ahead; for shorter notice, contact us by email. Accessories (dry bags, tents, cooking sets) don’t need to be pre-booked. Book online here – you can also check availability directly.

Our online booking system shows you in real time which boats are available on your preferred dates. Simply select your dates and boat type – the system instantly shows availability and you can book directly. It saves you a phone call and everything is confirmed in just a few minutes: bootshaus.se/en/canoe-rental-booking
→ See also: Do I need to book in advance?

Simply book online through our booking system. Select your boats and dates, enter your details, done. We accept credit cards and PayPal. The price shown is the final price – no booking fees or hidden costs. You can add accessories and the Nature Card during booking or pick them up on site. The boat reservation is what matters most – we always have plenty of accessories, but boats are limited. Book online here.

Rebookings are generally free of charge, as long as boats are still available for your preferred dates. For cancellations, please refer to our rental terms and conditions. The easiest way to make changes is by email – we’ll get back to you promptly and find the best solution for you.

Yes, if the boats are still available for the desired period. Availability can change during your trip. It’s best to ask early or check on the booking page yourself.

The quickest way is to put together your own quote on our booking page – you’ll see prices and availability at a glance. If you’d still like a written quote, we’re happy to prepare a pro forma booking. We’ll need: dates (please check availability first), boats, accessories, name, address, and mobile number. Send a quote request by email – we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Our prices are already fairly calculated – we don’t offer volume discounts. However, for clubs, school groups, companies, or church groups, we’re happy to put together a clear quote and can arrange invoicing on request. Just write to us with your dates, number of people, and preferred boats – we’ll help you plan.

From age 16, with written parental consent. Under 16, booking is not possible.

We have guest rooms and holiday apartments right by the lake – just a few metres from the boats. The rooms are ideal for couples or solo travellers looking for a simple overnight stay before or after their trip. The apartments offer more space and a private kitchen – perfect for families or longer stays. For apartment guests, one sauna session per stay is included. You’ll find all our accommodations on our booking page.

Yes, the location is quiet and right by the water – despite being close to Bengtsfors (approx. 2 km). No busy roads, no through traffic. The rooms are clean and well-maintained, the beds high-quality – we take pride in a high standard. Saturdays are changeover days, so the grounds may be a bit livelier.

Yes, no problem. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll send you the access details by email in time. That way you can check in late at night without anyone having to wait. Please be considerate of other guests who may already be asleep.

Bed linen and towels are included – you don’t need to bring anything. All accommodations have a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and TV. The TVs (except in the mini apartment) are Smart TVs – if you want to stream from your own device, you can bring an HDMI adapter or borrow one from us.

Yes, a wood-fired barrel sauna right by the lake with a panoramic window, seating 4–6 people. For apartment guests, one session per stay is included. Room guests and additional sessions: 500 SEK. Towels are provided, and after the sauna you can jump straight into the lake.

No, our rooms and apartments are completely dog-free – including small dogs. This way we can offer all guests, including allergy sufferers, a high standard. Alternative: Dalslands Camping (600 m away) accepts dogs.

No, we don’t offer any option to camp or sleep in a vehicle on our grounds. This also applies to the car park and the road by the house – we ask for consideration towards our neighbours. Alternative: Dalslands Camping is just 600 m away and offers pitches and sanitary facilities – no problem even with a late arrival. If you arrive very early in the morning: the guest rooms are directly above the car park, so please be considerate of sleeping guests.

No, but all accommodations have a well-equipped kitchen. Supermarkets in Bengtsfors (ICA and Coop) are open daily until 10 pm.

K1 approx. 120 litres, K2 approx. 180 litres – the storage compartments are dry. The loading hatches are approx. 30×40 cm – a standard trekking backpack won’t fit through. Gear needs to be split into smaller units. Light items can also go on the rear deck (not the front – it interferes with paddling), but must be waterproofed. Large backpacks can be stored at our facility. Dry bags (15L, 35L) are not included in the rental price but can be added at a low cost.
→ See also: Do large backpacks fit in the boat?

C2 approx. 250–400 litres, C3 approx. 250 litres. Canoes are open – even larger items like backpacks or pop-up tents fit easily. Everything should be waterproofed though (dry bags or barrel bags). Barrel bags (60L) are not included in the rental price but can be added.
→ See also: How much gear fits in a kayak?

In a kayak: No. The hatches are too small (approx. 30×40 cm). 70L backpacks and pop-up tents with an 85 cm packed size won’t fit. Solution: distribute backpack contents into dry bags, either at home or on site. Large backpacks can be stored at our facility. In a canoe, larger items fit – but keep everything waterproofed.
→ See also: How much gear fits in a kayak?

Gas canisters and methylated spirits: Yes. Food: No. You can get groceries in Bengtsfors:
Coop – Larger store, wide selection of dried food and canned goods.
ICA – Slightly better for fruit and vegetables. Both open daily, check Google Maps for opening hours.
Tip: Lactose-free dairy products have a longer shelf life.
→ See also: Where can I buy groceries along the way?

Depends on trip duration and season. Essentials: change of clothes, rain gear, water shoes, sun protection, water bottles, headlamp, first aid kit, insect repellent. Camping: tent and sleeping mat (available for rent), sleeping bag (bring your own), stove (Trangia available from us), cookware, cutlery, bin bags, toilet paper. Available from us: canoe route maps, Nature Cards, fishing permits, methylated spirits. Always seal food tightly (mice). Knives are practical on the water and at campsites, but in Sweden they may not be carried in public – e.g. keep them in your backpack when shopping.
→ See also: Can I buy food from you? | What clothing is recommended?

Yes, a canoe route map is recommended. It is not included in the rental price. The map shows all DANO campsites, locks, portage points, and waterways. A physical map is recommended – mobile coverage is not available everywhere. Available on site or in advance from our web shop.

At the rental station and at the guest harbour in Gustavsfors. The lake water is of high quality but should be boiled or filtered. Draw water a little away from the shore.
→ See also: Is the lake water drinkable?

Quick-drying functional clothing – and always a rain layer. Upper body: base layer, fleece, wind/waterproof jacket. Lower body: quick-drying trousers, rain trousers. Feet: water shoes or sandals, no rubber boots. Pack separate dry clothes for the evening in a dry bag.
→ See also: What is the weather like during our trip?

No. Please bring your own sleeping bag. The washing and drying effort between guests is too high. Tents and sleeping mats, however, are available for rent.
→ See also: What do I need to bring myself?

No. Dalsland has relatively few mosquitoes. Compared to other regions of Sweden, the nuisance is low. Regular insect repellent is sufficient. A light long-sleeved shirt helps in the evening by the water.
→ See also: What do I need to bring myself?

No – Sweden is virtually cashless. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted everywhere, even for small amounts in cafés or supermarkets. Tipping is not customary in Sweden. At the locks, payment works via QR code linking to a payment page – where you can also use PayPal alongside credit cards. A little cash for emergencies doesn’t hurt, but is rarely needed.
→ See also: How do the locks work? | Where can I shop along the way?

By car via the E6 (Malmö → Gothenburg → Oslo), exit at Ljungskile onto road 172 and follow it to Bengtsfors. Navigation: enter “Bootshaus Bengtsfors” in Google Maps or Apple Maps. Ferries from Germany: Puttgarden–Rødby (fast, affordable), Rostock–Gedser or Rostock–Trelleborg, Kiel–Gothenburg (overnight ferry). By train/bus: train to Åmål or Ed, then bus to Bengtsfors – timetables at vasttrafik.se (bus) and sj.se (train). From the bus stop it’s approx. 2 km to the rental station along the lakeside road (no pavement, backpack rather than wheeled luggage recommended). Airports: Gothenburg (190 km) or Oslo (200 km), then continue by train/bus.

Right at the rental station – free of charge for vehicles up to 5 metres in length. The car park is in a quiet residential area. For longer vehicles (motorhomes, large vans) there is an overflow car park approx. 500 m away (30 SEK/day). For caravans or vehicle-trailer combinations, please check with the neighbouring campsite. Don’t leave valuables visible in your car, and take your car keys with you rather than leaving them with us. Sleeping in vehicles is not permitted in the car park.

Please plan to arrive between 9:00 and 17:00. The boat handover includes a briefing, route planning, and packing – we need at least one hour for this, and our team is on site until 18:00. Allow enough travel time, especially with longer journeys or ferry connections. If you’re delayed on the way, please let us know as soon as possible – so we can adjust. If you’d like a relaxed start, stay the night before in one of our rooms.
→ See also: How does the boat handover work? | Which accommodation is right for us?

The boat handover takes approx. 1 hour and covers everything you need for a safe start. Arrival and welcome, adding accessories (dry bags, Nature Cards, maps, etc.), briefing on paddling technique and safety, joint route planning (optional but recommended), packing gear – we’ll show you how everything fits optimally into the boat. The car park is right at the rental station, which is also where your trip starts – no additional transfers. If you’d like a relaxed start, stay the night before in one of our rooms.
→ See also: What time do I need to arrive on the first day? | Which accommodation is right for us?

1–2 days before arrival, you’ll receive an automated SMS asking you to confirm your arrival time. Please reply to this SMS – so we can prepare for your arrival. If you’re running late, please also let us know briefly.

Yes, luggage can be stored free of charge and securely. Suitcases, clean clothes for your return trip, or other items you don’t want to take on the tour will be locked away. The storage room is also accessible to other guests – so it’s best to take valuables and important documents with you. Please pack food tightly and odour-proof.

By phone daily 9:00–18:00, weekends until 14:00 (May–September). Phone: +46 531 12540, email: info@bootshaus.se. During these hours in peak season, we’re usually on site as well. For booked guests, our team is available between 9:00 and 18:00 at the confirmed arrival time – plus a mobile number in the booking confirmation for coordinating arrival and emergencies. Outside the season, we open on request.
→ See also: How can I see which boats are available? | Do I need to book in advance?

For short trips, Lake Lelång is ideal – our home lake right on the doorstep. The Lelång loop covers 30–40 km depending on the route, with plenty of bays, islands, and DANO campsites. No locks needed, many options to shelter from wind, manageable distances – ideal for beginners and families. With one portage (approx. 800 m with a boat trolley), the quieter Lake Laxsjön can be included. The exact route is discussed during the briefing, and the canoe route map shows all options. Detailed route descriptions can be found on our page under recommended trips.

For longer trips, the lake system offers many combinations – the classic route runs via Lelång, Foxen, and Västra Silen. This route covers approx. 65 km with several locks (only in operation from mid-June to late August) and leads from busier lakes to secluded bays. If you’re paddling outside lock season or prefer to avoid locks, an extended Lelång loop with portages is a great alternative. For longer trips, we recommend sketching out a rough route in advance and discussing it during the briefing – wind, fitness, and interests like fishing or swimming all influence the ideal itinerary. Build in buffer days: strong headwinds can significantly shorten a day’s distance. Detailed route descriptions can be found on our page under recommended trips.

Google Maps for distances, dalslandnordmarken.se for campsites. Google Maps works well for measuring distances – simply set waypoints and read off the kilometres. The interactive map at dalslandnordmarken.se shows all DANO campsites, locks, and service points. For detailed planning on site, we recommend the printed canoe route map, which you can get from us at the rental station.

No, we don’t offer transfers or equipment transport. Passenger transport in Sweden requires a taxi licence, and pure boat transport is beyond our logistical capacity. Recommendation: plan round trips that start and end at the boathouse – our central location in the lake system is perfect for this. For routes with portages, we offer high-quality boat trolleys for rent.
→ See also: Do you offer one-way trips?

Realistic daily distances depend on the boat, group, and conditions – expect 10–20 km depending on the situation. Sporty paddlers can manage 15–20 km in a kayak, 12–15 km in a canoe. Families with children or larger groups should plan for 8–12 km. Headwinds can cut the distance in half, especially in a canoe. Allow 30–60 minutes per lock or portage. Fishing, swimming, and exploring all take time – that’s part of the experience. Better to plan a little less and arrive relaxed; on multi-day trips, always factor in at least one buffer day.

60 SEK per lock chamber and boat – payment directly at the lock. Lock fees are not included in the Nature Card. Payment is via QR code (credit card/PayPal), Swish (Swedish mobile number), or cash. The locks are generally in operation from mid-June to late August. Current prices and opening hours: dalslandskanal.se.

At portages, you roll your boat overland to the next lake using a boat trolley.
A touring boat with all your gear is simply too heavy to carry by hand – a trolley is essential. Our Eckla trolleys are high quality, lightweight, and fold down compact. They stow easily on the kayak deck or inside a canoe without taking up any space needed for touring gear.
If your route includes portages, add a trolley to your booking or pick one up on site – we always have them available. During the briefing, we’ll show you how to use and stow the trolley.
See also: What is included in the boat rental?

Ideally by 17:00 – unpacking and the handover take approx. one hour. Plan your last leg accordingly. If returning after 17:00, please let us know in advance. For late returns without prior arrangement, the equipment must be cleaned and placed in the correct spot, and any damage must be reported immediately.

No – all trips are self-guided. The area is perfectly suited for it, even for beginners. Before you set off, you’ll receive a thorough briefing: boat handling, paddling technique, safety, and tips for the journey. Route planning is done together on site – tailored to your experience, fitness, and interests. You don’t need to choose a route in advance. If you’d like some inspiration beforehand, you’ll find detailed route descriptions on our page under recommended trips.
→ See also: Are multi-day trips suitable for beginners? | How does the boat handover work?

The Nature Card is the ticket for the DANO campsites – it entitles you to use the over 100 official sites in the lake system. Each site has a fire pit, firewood, and a dry toilet. Cost: 80 SEK per person per night, children under 12 free. The Nature Card is mandatory for groups of 6 or more (who may only use DANO sites) and whenever a DANO site is used. Available on site at the rental station or online at dalslandnordmarken.se. Important: The Nature Card does not include lock fees.
→ See also: What are the DANO campsites? | How do the locks work and what do they cost?

Official overnight spots with a fire pit, firewood, and a dry toilet – over 100 of them at scenic locations by the water. With few exceptions, all sites also have a wind shelter. A Nature Card is required for use, and reservations are not possible. The sites are shared with other paddlers – a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and exchange tips. DANO rangers patrol regularly, maintain the sites, and check Nature Cards. All campsites are listed in the “Dalslands Kanal” app under the canoe section.
→ See also: What is the Nature Card and do I need one? | Am I allowed to wild camp?

From June to August, only at the official fire pits on DANO campsites – provided there is no fire ban in effect. Do not use improvised fire pits, even if they already exist. You can check whether a fire ban is in place via the “Brandrisk ute” app (iOS/Android), the “Dalslands Kanal” app, or the phone line +46 531-52 61 15 (Swedish). Outside this period – i.e. until May and from September – fires may also be made outside DANO sites, as long as there is no fire ban and conditions allow it safely. Never on rocks – they can crack from the heat and are permanently damaged. Gas stoves are permitted even during fire bans.

For individuals and small groups of up to 5 people: yes, with restrictions. Sweden’s Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten) allows one night of camping in nature. Keep a sufficient distance from houses and private property, no fires outside DANO sites from June to August, avoid bird sanctuary islands during breeding season (watch for signs), and leave no trace. Groups of 6 or more must use the DANO campsites.
→ See also: What are the DANO campsites? | Am I allowed to make a fire?

In principle yes – but boil or filter it to be safe. The water in the large lakes like Lelång and Foxen is very clean. However, natural microbes can occur, especially after heavy rainfall. Recommendation: boil the water for 5–10 minutes, use a water filter, or use Micropur tablets. When collecting water, hold the container below the surface a little away from the shore. You can refill drinking water at the rental station and at the guest harbour in Gustavsfors.

Take your rubbish with you and dispose of it at the collection points – there are no bins at the campsites. Whatever goes on the trip comes back with you. Collection points are located at several spots in the lake system, and their positions are marked on the canoe route map. Pack enough bin bags, and reduce packaging before the trip. Don’t leave food waste at the campsites where other campers are staying.

From us at the rental station or at dalslandnordmarken.se – for paddlers we recommend the canoe fishing permit. It’s cheaper than a permit via iFiske and covers more waters, including Lelång, Foxen, Stora Le (eastern part), Östra and Västra Silen. The permit is valid for 2 rods. Fishing is allowed from the boat or from shore. The exact regulations can be found at dalslandnordmarken.se. Children under 12 don’t need a permit but must be accompanied by an adult with one. Minimum size for salmon, trout, and char: 60 cm – these species are protected from 1 September to the end of the year.

In strong wind, head to shore and wait – the wind usually dies down in the evening. During cold fronts it can last longer. Paddle close to shore or behind islands (wind shelter), avoid long open stretches of water, never head out onto open water with strong tailwinds – the waves grow larger with distance. In a thunderstorm, get to shore immediately, don’t stay on the water, keep away from metal objects like paddles and tent poles, don’t stand under tall trees, crouch down in low-lying areas. General rules: always wear your life jacket, keep your mobile phone waterproofed and within reach, check the weather forecast regularly at yr.no.

Before your trip starts, you’ll receive a detailed briefing – tailored to the type of boat you’re using. The basic rule: stay calm, your life jacket keeps you afloat. In a kayak, re-entry is possible, especially if other kayaks can assist – the boats remain buoyant even with a flooded cockpit. In a canoe, the situation is different: re-entry on open water is not possible, and a swamped canoe can be very difficult to recover in wind. When in doubt: swim to the nearest shore yourself and call for help from there – the boat can be recovered later. Therefore: always carry your mobile phone on your body (not stored in the boat), choose routes close to shore, even in good weather. There is no reason to paddle across the middle of large lakes when a route along the shore is possible.
→ See also: What should I do in wind, thunderstorms, or bad weather? | How should I plan my daily stages?

Sit down with the map over morning coffee and discuss the route. Unlike hiking, you can’t simply stop on the water and huddle over the map together. So clarify in advance: where are we heading today, where is the next break, which stretch will we paddle? Consider the weather and wind direction, prefer routes along the shore. That way everyone knows where to meet if the group gets separated. Build in buffer days – strong headwinds can significantly shorten a day’s stage or cancel it altogether.
→ See also: How far can I paddle per day? | What should I do in wind, thunderstorms, or bad weather?

Mostly yes, but not everywhere. Near towns and on the larger lakes, reception is good. In remote bays or dense forest, it can be weak or drop out. Keep your mobile phone in a waterproof case and within reach – don’t bury it deep in your gear.

In several towns along the paddling routes. Bengtsfors has ICA and Coop (open until 10 pm), Billingsfors and Gustavsfors each have an ICA, Dals Ed has ICA, Coop, and Willys, Dals Långed and Åsensbruk each have a Coop. In Fengersfors there’s Handlar’n as well as the bakery Brukets Godaste and Café Not Quite – both highly recommended. Most shops are also open on Sundays, check Google Maps for opening hours.

In an emergency, always call 112 first – this number connects you directly to the ambulance, police, or fire brigade. For medical advice: 1177 (from a Swedish number) or +46 771 11 77 00 (international number). Nearby towns with a health centre are Bengtsfors, Åmål, Årjäng, and Dals Ed. Nearest hospitals: Bäckefors (32 km), Uddevalla (92 km), Vänersborg (100 km). All guests receive a safety card with the most important numbers and information during the briefing – but in a real emergency, 112 is always the right call.